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Social competence in childhood brain tumor survivors: a comprehensive review

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Abstract

Purpose

To review the literature investigating the social competence outcomes of child and adolescent survivors of brain tumors.

Methods

Twenty articles published between 2000 and 2009 were accessed using PsycInfo and PubMed and reviewed for their findings related to three hypothesized levels of social competence (i.e., social adjustment, social performance, social skills).

Results

Current evidence indicates that childhood brain tumor survivors experience decreased social adjustment following treatment. Inconsistencies among studies continue to be an obstacle for advancing the field. The operationalization of social competence requires greater attention to facilitate comparability between studies (e.g., social adjustment, social performance, social skills). The effects of child, familial, and treatment factors and their relationships are still not well understood. There is a lack of theory driven research.

Conclusions

Many childhood brain tumor survivors experience deficits in social competence at the level of social adjustment. These deficits worsen with time. Little is known about more rudimentary levels of social competence such as social skills or social performance. This information is needed to guide the development of social intervention programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant Program, Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada

    Fiona Schulte

  2. Department of Psychology, Haemotology/Oncology Program, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Maru Barrera

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  1. Fiona Schulte
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  2. Maru Barrera
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Correspondence to Fiona Schulte.

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Schulte, F., Barrera, M. Social competence in childhood brain tumor survivors: a comprehensive review. Support Care Cancer 18, 1499–1513 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-010-0963-1

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